Customer Reviews

Watch the Fireworks

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those of us almost in mourning over the loss of the Delgados in April 2005, a treasured and underrated unique-sounding band, the consolation of an album by Emma Pollock, one of its principal members, has been a very long time coming. The news, shortly after the amicable split, that she had been signed to the highly suitable Four A.D. label was soon followed by radio appearances on which promising new songs such as Paper And Glue and Limbs were performed acoustically with the help of brother-in-law Jamie Savage on second guitar and piano. In Spring 2007 she was back on the radio, still previewing the songs, this time also sharing piano duties with Jamie Savage, as the album, although it had been recorded in the main between March and April 2006 at the new Chem19 Studios in Hamilton and added to in New York later in the year, was still not out.

I'm pleased to report that the delay has been worthwhile as the album cracks and sizzles with confidence and style throughout its forty-three minutes, and reveals to me for the first time just how much of a contribution Emma Pollock must have made to the Delgados. Although it is more stripped back and lacks the big orchestral arrangements of some Delgados records (a cello, played by Alan Barr, escapes onto just one song), in many ways it sounds more like a Delgados record than Universal Audio did: the enchanting vocals that give the songs their soul, at time airy, at others melancholic; the entwining and surprising melodic structures and sounds; and not least the evocative, distinctive and intelligent lyrics.

Of course, former Delgados drummer and husband Paul Savage also contributes to the sound, additionally supplying dulcimer and omnichord. The other musicians on the record apart from Jamie Savage are Campbell McNeil (from Aerogramme) and Graeme Smillie on bass guitars, and the additional guitar of Knox Chandler, added to some of the songs in New York at the suggestion of producer Victor Van Vugt. The album is something of a triumph. Set alight and stand back to enjoy.

I'm a big fan of Emma's earlier work with the Delgados and am quite surprised that she's turned out such an upbeat album. I expected something more dour, I suppose.

Anyway, like her best work on The Great Eastern only soaring and life-affirming with just hints of the brooding intensity of the Delgados' best moments.

I would give a premium price for this album properly remastered. It's that good. As another reviewer commented, it's got the hooks; it's also got real depth and maturity and sophistication. You get the feeling there is much more under the surface in many of these songs, including a lot of anger in places that calls for some discussion.

If only the music were given some space to breathe. What a sonic atrocity. Those responsible for squeezing the life out of this album with their demonic compressors and limiters should not only be fired, but blacklisted. But I guess if you did that consistently, you might have to fire most of those in the music industry.

"Emma Pollock is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and guitarist. A founding member of The Delgados, she signed a solo recording contract with British independent record label 4AD in 2005 after the amicable split of the band" -Wiki

I first heard of this album after listening to a few Delgado Albums (also good) and learned that my favorite singer in the Delgados went solo. I always loved every song she sang in when she was in the Delgados, and I'm glad she went solo I think it worked out great for her based on this album. The album is a goldmine of good tracks, my only complaint is that with everything modern they like to destroy the dynamic range for the loudness war. Other then lack of dynamic range the actual detail and detail is not bad.

I won't go over every track but instead just a quick overview. Emma focuses on nice vocals and simple instruments for the most part. This keeps it very relaxed sounding and yet very advanced sounding. She obviously knew how to compose, you can hear it in the songs and obviously words can't contribute to this album. So instead of fiddling with the right words I simply urge you to buy this album if you enjoy good female vocals.

This is the debut solo album of Emma Pollock, member of the now broken up Delgados. Since I am a fan of the Delgados I was looking forward to this album and Emma does not disappoint. Throughout this album, her clear, beautiful and haunting vocals, and interesting lyrics are present. This album features Delgados drummer Paul Savage, keyboardist Jamie Savage and Aereogramme bass player Campbell McNeil.

New Land (1) has a steady marching beat with confident vocals. Acid Test (2) has some textured guitars and some layered vocals. Limbs (4) and Fortune (7) are quiet, thoughtful piano songs. Adrenaline (5) is a faster paced pop song with urgent keyboards and guitars. If Silence Means that Much to You (6) is also faster paced with atmospheric layered instruments. Here Comes the Heartbreak (10) has lots of energy, clapping, and guitars. The Optimist (11) is a haunting song with softer vocals.

95% of this album consists of wonferful solid compositions. No fillers here.
Just listen to the samples to get an idea.
Excellent voice, lyrics and music.
(I heard her by chance[..])

I, like some others here, first heard Emma when she opened for the New Pornographers. In my case that was Minneapolis. What an awesome show! It usually takes me a while to get turned on to new music but not this time. I bought the CD right away and it has to be my favorite disc right now.

Her voice is so tender and piercing and her lyrics are meaningful and often poignant. And yet the music can be rockin' and upbeat too. Great to listen to on a dreamy, rainy day. Or a sunny day.

Heard "If Silence Means That Much To You" while driving cross-country last month and was immediately smitten. Bought the CD and was completely blown away. Just thinking about "Adrenaline" and "The Optimist" gives me chills; 2 of the most perfect songs I've ever heard. The other songs on the CD are growing on me. Challenge for Emma: going to be hard to top this one.

Saw her open for the New Pornographers at the Metro in Chicago recently and was totally blown away. Bought the CD right afterwards.

Great album, nice and concise. Definitely for Delgados fans and new fans as well - maybe a bit more mature than her former band.

Overall, this is a strong debut! These songs have been stuck in my head for a while now.

I encountered Emma by sheer chance opening for the New Pornographers recently, and was smitten. Even given the usual muddy bouncy sound of a thousand-seat venue, her effortless singing and some wonderfully memorable melodies came through loud and clear. And, predictably enough, I picked up the disc a few days later, so here we are . . .

"Fireworks" is fairly stripped-down, with a generous dollop of twang (two Telecasters live, so no duh!) and a muscular rhythm section kicking things along when required, which is about two-thirds of the CD.

That said, my favorites are two of the ballads - "Limbs" and especially "Fortune", which manages to be breathlessly ethereal and a really subtle, sophisticated piece of songwriting at the same time. Among the worthy uptempo tunes - - "Here Comes The Heartbreak", which is lethally catchy, "Paper And Glue" and the vaguely good-clowns-gone-bad vibe of "New Land", as if Mr. Kite had been forcibly strapped to the back of an elephant and then carried across the Grampians - for his own benefit, of course.

Perfect autumnal pop.